DATC Student Creates Scholarship Fund for Single Parents

CNC Machining Student Alanna Wilson wants to help other single parents follow their dreams.

Several years ago, Alanna didn’t know what the future held. With a recent divorce, the loss of her job, a health scare, the sale of her house, and two children to care for, Alanna had to find a new path quickly. Today she’s a graduate of the Architectural and Engineering Design program and an Adjunct Instructor in the Composite Materials Technology program, with plans to become a CNC programmer in the avionics industry. Alanna’s scholarships (from DATC and NASA) helped propel her to where she is today.

“Scholarship awards not only relieve financial burdens for our low-income students, many of whom are single parents, but they also serve as a testament to our students that there are people in our community who care about them,” says Marcie Valdez, DATC Foundation director. “Alanna’s success and her desire to pay it forward is a perfect example of the impact that scholarships can have in helping people to achieve their dreams.”

In recognition of those gifts and in honor of her 40th birthday, Alanna created a Single Parent Scholarship Fund at the DATC and launched a social media campaign. She wants to help and inspire other single parents pursue their educational goals so they can provide a better life for their families.